Christin Dennis, a knowledge carrier from the Aamjiwnaang community of Sarnia, brings profound insights into Indigenous traditions and teachings.
Dennis educates others about Indigenous studies and fosters understanding through various programs and ceremonies.
Some of his work includes teaching about the Medicine Wheel, the Seven Sacred Teachings, and traditional practices such as the sweat lodge ceremony.
The Indigenous sharing circle is being held at Avondale Church on Saturday (June 8), from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a lunch featuring a variety of Indigenous food.
Dennis spoke to My Stratford Now and said that they are “doing a more intensive understanding of the seven sacred teachings,” which have been passed on to them from the White Buffalo Calf Woman.
The Seven Sacred Teachings are Respect, Love, Truth, Humility, Courage, Honesty, and Wisdom.
“With those teachings that were given to us, we can actually find out who we are as individuals,” he said.
He also added that the sweat lodge ceremony is especially significant. That sacred practice involves prayer, meditation, and the use of heated stones.
The sweat lodge helps individuals seek guidance, let go of burdens, and align their spirit, mind, and body.
“If you pray for my healing, I may not need healing and I might have to get sick. So if you pray for someone to be healed, maybe they’re already healed and sometimes that’s how powerful we are as individuals, our words, our power. What we need to learn how to do is, how to pray properly,” Dennis said.
He advised non-Indigenous people to ask questions without fear, as this is key to learning and respecting the culture.
Dennis also noted that they just erected a 30-foot tipi north of Listowel. They will host sweat lodges. Elders and knowledge carriers are also there to talk to the community.
For more information, check out tipiofhuronperth.ca.
